It’s Thanksgiving weekend, and while the European leagues continue with the first half of their seasons, Major League Soccer is nearing its final matchups. Today, the conference finals take place, with the winners of both matches advancing to the MLS Cup Final next weekend. In the Eastern Conference, the 3 seed Inter Miami will take on the 5 seed New York City FC in the afternoon’s first match. In the evening, the Western Conference Finals take place between 1 seed San Diego FC and the 2 seed Vancouver Whitecaps.
Eastern Conference Finals: Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
Inter Miami is the team that most think the league has destined to get to the final and eventually win it. With Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez all available, head coach Javier Mascherano has a lot of options and hopes his team can get the ball to its playmakers to do damage. On the other side is USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese and New York City FC, who advanced to the final by taking out Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union in the semifinals.
Because of NYCFC’s win over Philadelphia, Miami gets to host this match. But NYCFC will not be afraid of them and will try to sneak out the victory. They’re also the only team remaining who has won a MLS Cup previously, so they hope to return to the title game 4 years removed from their last victory. The two teams drew 2-2 in the opening match of the season back on February 22nd at Chase Stadium, but Inter Miami torched NYCFC 4-0 in the match at Citi Field back on September 24th. If NYCFC can stop Messi, they have a chance to sneak out the victory and get back to the final.
Western Conference Finals: San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
In the nightcap, we see San Diego FC, in their first year in Major League Soccer, hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps in a battle of the top two teams in the Western Conference all season. San Diego, featuring Luca de la Torre, has really impressed in their inaugural season. They were able to outlast Minnesota United in the conference semis, needing extra time to win 1-0 and book their spot in the conference finals. On the other side are the Vancouver Whitecaps, who beat LAFC on penalties in what was a wild match to get to this point. Vancouver features USMNT players Sebastian Berhalter, Tristan Blackmon, and Brian White, but Blackmon will be unavailable tonight as he serves a red card suspension for the one he picked up against LAFC. Brian White should be available after dealing with some injuries, and Berhalter will be counted on to help lead the Whitecaps as they seek to get to their first MLS Cup Final.
Should Inter Miami win in the East, they will host the MLS Cup Final next Saturday at Chase Stadium. If NYCFC emerges from the Eastern Conference, the winner of the Western Conference Final will host next weekend. That will make these matches interesting as we find out who will play for the MLS Cup on December 6th.
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
Advertised Kick-off Time: 5:00pm Eastern, 2:00pm Pacific
Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Advertised Kick-off Time: 8:00pm Eastern, 5:00pm Pacific
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass
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